Is Steam Truly Invisible or Just a Common Misconception?

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    Gas Liquid Steam
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of steam, specifically whether it is truly invisible or if this is a misconception. Participants explore the definitions of steam and water vapor, and the visibility of steam in different contexts, including theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant recalls being taught that steam is not a gas, suggesting that the presence of suspended water droplets leads to this classification.
  • Another participant argues that steam is not a gas because it is visible, asserting that visible steam consists of water droplets rather than pure vapor.
  • A third participant counters this by stating that steam is indeed invisible and is pure water vapor, claiming that the visible aspect is due to condensed water droplets in the air.
  • This same participant references thermodynamics texts to support their claim that steam is a gas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express competing views on the nature of steam, with no consensus reached regarding its classification as a gas or the visibility of steam.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on different interpretations of scientific definitions and observations, which may depend on specific contexts or definitions of steam and water vapor.

jackle
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When I was at school, some 15 years ago, I was taught that steam was not a gas. This always seemed a very odd thing to say. I think it was based on the idea that it contains suspended water droplets, but wouldn't any gas have suspended droplets near it's boiling point? I'd like to settle this in my mind forever.

Thanks
 
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"Steam", by virtue of the fact that you can see it, is not a gas.

It's not a matter of the fact that steam contains water droplets, it's the fact that steam is water droplets! Water, as a gas (above its boiling point), is not steam.
 
Halls, I have to differ with you.

Steam is, in fact, invisible. It is pure water vapor, and is a gas.

The whitish cloudy stuff you see rising from your pasta pot on the stove is not steam -- it's just air with condensed water droplets in it.

- Warren
 
chroot said:
Steam is, in fact, invisible. It is pure water vapor, and is a gas.

The whitish cloudy stuff you see rising from your pasta pot on the stove is not steam -- it's just air with condensed water droplets in it.

- Warren
...and that's the interpretation of thermodynamics texts as well.
 

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